World Cup 2018: Harry Kane says 'band of brothers' spirit is driving England on
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Pickford saves, Dier scores - England win penalty shootout 2018 Fifa World Cup quarter-final: Sweden v England
Venue: Samara Arena, Samara Date: Saturday 7 July, 15:00 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC One and online; full radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live and text commentary and in-play clips online and on BBC Sport app
England captain Harry Kane said a "band of brothers" spirit is driving Gareth Southgate's side towards World Cup glory as they prepare to face Sweden in the quarter-final on Saturday.
Kane is the tournament's leading scorer with six goals and the 24-year-old will carry England's biggest threat in the searing Samara heat, as they attempt to reach a first World Cup semi-final since Italia 90.
And while Kane is happy to share his responsibility, he believes England's progress to the last eight for the first time in 12 years is also down to the special bond among this group of players.
"We are just like family," said Kane. "We spend a lot of time together and we all get on with each other very well. It is about togetherness and trust.
"I look at them like my brothers and they look at me the same. We will do anything for each other."
England's dramatic victory on penalties against Colombia in the last 16 - in which Kane scored from the spot in normal time and again in the shootout - ended a run of three defeats from three in World Cup shootouts for the national team.
The match was also full of controversy, with England defender John Stones saying Colombia were probably the "dirtiest team" he has faced.
"When you go through a battle like that and come through it, that gives you so much energy, so much belief to go and do it again," said Kane.
"The feeling after is amazing. We're hungry for more. We want that feeling. If it goes to extra time and penalties, then we'll be ready for that."
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England will face either Croatia or hosts Russia if they overcome the under-rated Swedes, who beat Italy in a play-off to reach Russia and finished above holders Germany in their group.
There is, however, a quiet confidence about England.
"We have that togetherness and trust but we always want to prove it on the pitch and we have done that so far and that has just made us even stronger," added Kane.
"It was great to come through that game the other night and just to see the joy in everyone's faces. We have worked so hard to come through that and it makes us even more proud of each other."
Social media has been filled with clips of fans celebrating the victory against Colombia, as a new-found belief begins to take hold that England can go even further in Russia.
And Kane says the scenes at home are having an impact on the team.
"It's massive," he said of the images from back home. "After the games we all see the videos going around social media. I said after the Tunisia game that I was one of those fans not too long ago and getting drink thrown over me and jumping about, going wild.
"It's what we want. We set out to make the country proud and we feel like we've done that so far.
"It's about bringing the whole country together and to see them enjoying it as they are is fantastic for us."
Source: bbc.com
Source: bbc.com
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